Will Smith is publicly apologizing to Chris Rock after the King Richard star smacked the comedian in the face Sunday night.
On Monday, Smith, 53, wrote a lengthy statement on Instagram, admitting he was wrong for striking Rock, 57, onstage at the 2022 Academy Awards.
“Violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive. My behavior at last night’s Academy Awards was unacceptable and inexcusable. Jokes at my expense are a part of the job, but a joke about Jada’s medical condition was too much for me to bear and I reacted emotionally,” Smith began.
“I would like to publicly apologize to you, Chris. I was out of line and I was wrong. I am embarrassed and my actions were not indicative of the man I want to be,” he continued, which was the first time the Oscar winner directly apologized to the man he hit. “There is no place for violence in a world of love and kindness.”
Did anyone else find this whole debacle strange? Personally, at first I felt it looked so awkward, that it was staged.
“I would also like to apologize to the Academy, the producers of the show, all the attendees and everyone watching around the world. I would like to apologize to the Williams Family and my King Richard Family,” the actor continued. “I deeply regret that my behavior has stained what has been an otherwise gorgeous journey for all of us. I am a work in progress.”
The incident occurred Sunday night after the comedian made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith’s hair, saying in part, “Jada, I love ya. G.I. Jane 2, can’t wait to see ya.”
The comment was about Pinkett Smith’s hair matching Demi Moore’s shaved head in the movie G.I. Jane. Pinkett Smith recently opened up abouther bald head, revealing it was a result of her years-long struggle with alopecia. Pinkett Smith was visibly unamused, rolling her eyes from her seat.
Seconds later, Smith walked onstage and approached Rock, smacking him in front of the audience and millions watching at home. Back at his table, Smith shouted to a stunned Rock, “Keep my wife’s name out of your f—ing mouth,” then remained seated with Pinkett Smith at his table for the rest of the night.
Some, like myself, thought this was a scripted publicity stunt to gain interest in the Oscars. Over the past two years viewer numbers have gone down substantially due to Covid-19.
What do you guys think? Was it real or just pretend and one big crazy act?
Rock has not yet spoken out since the incident. He declined to press charges, and reps for the comedian have not responded to any news media to verify.
In an initial statement after the show, the Academy said it “does not condone violence of any form” and added, “Tonight we are delighted to celebrate our 94th Academy Awards winners, who deserve this moment of recognition from their peers and movie lovers around the world.”
